1898 Berliner Gramophone Record 8 1/2" Test Pressing * 1/4" Thick * Kaiser March
$
2,201
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Description
If you're an uncompromising collector of antique technology, make sure to check out all my listings after you look at this one. I don't think you'll find a better, broader or more balanced assortment of technical antiques anywhere -- hundreds of no-reserve auctions each year, almost all of them featuring eye-popping "gee whiz" gadgetry in exceptional original condition. And don't forget, you can click this link to quickly add and then save me to your favorite seller list and Ebay will automatically send you updates when I put similar new auctions online.
Here's an 1898 Berliner Gramophone factory test pressing of Kaiser March performed by the Banda Rossa. The record is 1/4" thick and 8 1/2" in diameter. As you can see in the photographs, this is an uncut record. There is no information recorded on the outside 1 1/4" of the record's surface.
Condition is good. Plays through with normal Berliner era surface noise, but there are no skips or repeats, and the music is clear throughout the recording.
Overall, a nice early recording, and a unique piece of recorded sound history. These Berliner test pressings turn up from time to time, but they are very rare -- they were meant only for internal evaluation and not public consumption -- and years might go by before you have an opportunity to buy another one.
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